Last Call for 3.11.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

A bill tightening the rules governing public-sector labor unions is now headed to the Governor’s desk after clearing the House in a 73-37 vote, mostly along party lines.

The legislation (SB 1296), sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin, requires public-sector unions seeking recertification to secure participation from at least 50% of all employees in a bargaining unit and approval from a majority of those voting.

There is no minimum participation rate under the current law, only a requirement that unions secure a majority of the ballots cast.

Supporters say the change ensures unions demonstrate broad support among the workers they represent. Critics argue it raises the bar so high that many unions could struggle to maintain certification.

Shortly after the bill passed, the state’s largest teacher union issued a statement calling the measure “unfathomable,” adding that it will make it “harder for you to support yourself and your family.”

“After weeks of misinformation and falsehoods that were often presented as hard truths in the public record, politicians voted to strip away the constitutional right of thousands of workers in the state — including nurses, sanitation workers, utility workers, line technicians, certified nursing assistants, doctors and medical residents, city bus drivers, teachers, education staff professionals, higher education faculty and graduate assistants, city and municipal workers, communications workers, and countless other public sector workers who help make Florida safe and prosperous,” reads a statement from the Florida Education Association.

“It is unfortunate that outside interests and some lawmakers have resorted to hateful rhetoric about educators that has stemmed from Gov. DeSantis and Florida’s Education Commissioner’s war on your neighborhood public schools. A war whose only goal is to line the pockets of political allies of the Governor.”

If enacted, the measure will take effect July 1.

Evening Reads

—”How Donald Trump’s war with Iran changed the world in a week” via Jim Tankersley of The New York Times

—”Will Iran break MAGA?” via Eli McKown-Dawson of the Silver Bulletin

—”Democratic Senators hatch plans to end income taxes for millions of Americans” via Richard Rubin of The Wall Street Journal

—”James Fishback has seized the Gen Z right. Now he thinks he can win Florida.” via Dan Adler of Vanity Fair

—”Senate overhauls House election integrity bill, inserts Erin Grall’s election proposal” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

—”Attorney: DOH anticipates AIDS drug fix will become law” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

—”Overtime and underperforming, Florida Legislature lets record-hiding continue” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel

—“FIU professors weigh showdown with Ron DeSantis admin over sociology course” via Garrett Shanley and Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times

—“Palm Beach County had 19 municipal elections Tuesday. Here’s what happened” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”The Players Championship: How the PGA Tour turned a $1 swamp into a $150 million real estate business” via Joe Pompliano of Huddle Up

Quote of the Day

“Griffitts looks like he’s loading up a life raft on a sinking ship.”

— A lobbyist commenting on the House amendment to the data centers bill.

Put it on the Tab

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Send a Welcome Home to Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Demi Busatta, whose measure updating the Live Local Act is ready for DeSantis’ signature.

VTOL believers are getting a Ready For Takeoff now that the Legislature has OK’d a bill to usher in the era of flying vehicles.

Big Tech is ready for a round of D.A.T.A. after the hyperscale server farm bill picked up an amendment with buy-in from Trump and DeSantis.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

FSU opens ACC tournament, needing upsets to make March Madness field

Florida State opens play in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, needing to improve the chances of making the NCAA Tournament (7 p.m. ET, ESPNU).

The Seminoles (17-14) will likely need to win the tournament to secure a spot in the field of the Big Dance. Florida State has won nine of the last 11 games entering tonight’s matchup with California. The two teams met in Tallahassee on Jan. 28 with Florida State holding on for a 63-61 win. 

In ESPN’s latest Bracketology, the Seminoles are not listed as a team on the bubble, meaning that a strong showing by FSU in the conference tournament would not be enough to get them into the Big Dance. 

Under first-year head coach Luke Loucks, FSU won five of the first six games, losing only at Florida. Then, a five-game losing streak against tougher competition. Another five-game skid to open conference play looked like it would derail the season. Instead, after winning at Miami, the Seminoles won 10 of the last 13 to earn the eighth seed in the conference tournament. 

If Florida State beats Cal tonight, they will advance to face top-seeded Duke tomorrow night in the quarterfinals. Should the Seminoles advance to the semifinals, they would face Wake Forest, Clemson, or fourth-seeded North Carolina. The final is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.